Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 18, 2015
The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties,
Illinois met in regular session on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at the Administration Building – 410
West Polk Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920
At 6:30pm, President Miller called the meeting to order and asked for roll call.
The following board members were present:
Ron Miller, President
Jason Coe, Vice President
Brenda Coffey, Secretary
Kelly Miller, Treasurer
Scott Clarke
Susan Daniels
Charles Jarrell
The following staff members were present:
Jim Littleford, Superintendent
Todd Vilardo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
David Kuetemeyer, Financial Consultant
Visitors 21 and 1 Member of the Press
Mr. Littleford reviewed items under the Addendum:
Revised Board Agenda
- Correction under Consent Employment: Extra-Curricular Employment is for the Spring 2015.
VI. Consent Agenda New Business
C. Remove from agenda – Adopt Resolution/Interfund Loan
Working Cash Fund to the Transportation Fund
X. A. 2015-16 School District Calendar
- Correction to Calendar E – Memorial Day changed from May 39 to May 30
X. E. 2015-16 Administrative Contracts
- Correction to Administrative Assignment Sheet
- For Board members review are copies of administrative contracts to be renewed.
Brad Oakley, Rob Ulm, Patti Murphy, Mary Ann Pattenaude,
Bill Richardson, David Kuetemeyer, and Cathy Chaplin
Under Focus on Students and Good News reports, Mr. Littleford read the names of the Character
Education Students from Jefferson and Ashmore Elementary Schools that received Certificates of
Recognition prior to the board meeting. The Character Education students were chosen by their teachers
representing the trait of Kindness. Teachers choose students who exemplify this trait and they are
honored at Jefferson and Ashmore Schools. Roxanne Cornebise, Counselor is in charge of the program.
4th GradeKiley Will
Whitley Wood
Brian Rose
Ella Yoder
Leeann Parker
Olivia Bennett
Zackary Williams - Ashmore
Ella Kieffer
5th GradeCadence Bryant
Hannah Taylor
Ben White
Kloey Robinson
Norah Hadley
Maria Jenkins
Emily Davidson
Kyla Dare
Chance Thompson
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6th GradeNathan Logsdon
Peytra Haws
Pierson Smith
Ben Hess
Sam Cornebise
Kaylee Wilson
Brayden McGrath
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Under Public, Staff Comments or Questions, Written Communications, President Miller announced
there were no requests to address the Board of Education.
Mr. Littleford reported that the district received one Freedom of Information Act request from Tim
Donovan, Teamsters Local 26, Champaign, IL for a copy of the current agreement with First Student
Transportation services. The request was honored by the District.
Under the Consent Agenda, President Miller asked if there were board members who would like any of
the consent agenda items pulled for discussion in closed session. No requests were received.
Mr. Littleford reviewed the items under Consent Agenda.
IV. Consent Agenda: Standard Items
A. Approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of January 21, 2015.
B. 1. Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of January 2015.
2. Approve the Activity Fund Accounts for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending
January 2015.
V. Consent Agenda: Old Business
VI. Consent Agenda: New Business
CHS/Declaration of Surplus Inventory
Declare referenced inventory from the CHS Media Center as surplus and available for sale or
disposal.
Resolution/Establishing Fiscal Year and Preparation of 2015-2016 Tentative Budget
Adopt a Resolution Establishing Fiscal Year and Preparation of the Tentative Budget for the
2015-2016 school year beginning July 1, 2015.
VII. Consent Agenda: Employment
 Accept a letter of resignation from Kyle Fitzgerald as the Boys’ Assistant Track Coach at
Charleston High School, effective immediately.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Courtney Cave as the Head Girls’ Track Coach at Charleston
High School, effective at the end of the 2014-15 school year.
 Contingent upon finding a suitable replacement, accept a letter of resignation from Brenda Foster
as the Cheerleading Coach at Charleston Middle School, effective immediately.
 Grant a family medical leave to Liz Watson, a physical education teacher at Charleston High
School.
 Grant a family medical leave to Carrie Neese, a secretary at Charleston High School.
 Approve the list of substitutes and volunteers for Community Unit School District #1, effective
January 15 – February 9, 2015.
 Approve the individuals listed to serve as volunteer coaches at Charleston High School during the
Spring 2015 sports season, contingent upon the receipt of all required paperwork.
John Pogue
Baseball
Jordan Thompson
Baseball
Paul Stranz
Soccer
Aldo Ruffalo
Soccer
Dirk Bennett
Soccer
Adam Sims
Soccer
Michael Spencer
Soccer
Haley Sparks
Softball
Amber May
Softball
Matt Felhake
Track/Field
John McInerney
Track/Field
Kim Sherwood
Track/Field
 Approve the employment of Steve Kuchefski as the Assistant Boys’ Track Coach at Charleston
High School for the 2014-15 school year.
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President Miller recommended that the Board of Education approve items under IV through VII inclusive
on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Coe moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, K. Miller, Clarke, Daniels, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
February 1, 2015 Update on CUSD #1 Budget Estimates
Financial Consultant, David Kuetemeyer reported on the financial status of the District as of February 1,
2015. His report provided background information regarding income, expenditures, and budget estimates.
Mr. Kuetemeyer indicated the district has more control over the expenditures and to date, all funds were
at 57-58% or near levels expected for this time of the year. On the revenue side, he reviewed a list of
concerns the district was still facing because the State of Illinois being behind in funding/reimbursements
to the district. Mr. Kuetemeyer shared a summary of fund balances that included early taxes from July
2009-2014 and an article, ‘Raise Illinois Income Tax’ from The Civic Federation, Chicago based fiscal
watchdog group, (see official board book).
Pre-School Screening
Mr. Littleford announced that pre-school screening will be held at the Westley United Methodist Church
building from March 3 – 5, 2015. On March 3 and 5 screenings are scheduled from 12:30pm - 6:00pm
and on March 5 from 9:00am – 2:15pm. For appointments or more information, individuals can call
639-1028 between February 23 – 27. New this year, Mark Twain Elementary School will hold a
kindergarten registration on May 14 and 15 at the school. An Open House is planned at 6:00pm on May
7 for all incoming kindergarten students.
Update/Calendar Committee
During the January 28, 2015 Calendar Committee meeting, Mr. Littleford reported that there were
different options recommended for future consideration. It was suggested that the development of a two
or three year calendar might be advantageous for our school community. A current Board of Education
parameter requires Spring Break to mirror Eastern Illinois University in terms of calendar dates which
would make such calendar development possible.
The Calendar Committee also wrestled with the Parent/Teacher Conference schedule in terms of what is
best for parents and staff. It has been suggested that surveying parents and staff would be advantageous
in assisting to make that decision. Such a survey during the upcoming October Parent/Teacher
conferences would probably yield the most accurate results of our school community.
In addition, the placement of Parent/Teacher Conferences was discussed. One option suggested moving
the Parent/Teacher Conference date to the beginning of the Thanksgiving break. Again, a survey during
the upcoming October Parent/Teacher Conferences would probably yield the most accurate results of our
school community.
Mr. Littleford asked the Board of Education for input regarding the options presented. Following
discussion, the Board agreed on surveying the parents/staff regarding the options presented and
development of a 3-year calendar once parents/staff complete surveys on related issues during
parent/teacher conferences in October.
School Calendar Guidelines/Emergency Days
As a follow-up to questions in regard to using a delayed start to school during inclement weather,
Regional Office of Education Assistant Superintendent Kyle Thompson provided a response from the
Illinois State Board of Education. ISBE personnel have now confirmed in writing that two hour delayed
starts are acceptable with no disruption to the Public School Calendar nor loss of General State Aid. This
could be a viable option in lieu of closing school for an entire day when district officials believe that road
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conditions will improve early in the morning. Mr. Littleford said that before implementing such a
procedure, it might be prudent to survey our school community to find out how many parents would
approve/oppose the idea. He indicated that such a survey during the upcoming October Parent/Teacher
conferences would probably yield the most accurate results of our school community.
The Board of Education discussed different issues that could arise with a delayed start of school and
agreed that surveying parents/staff during the October parent/teacher conferences would provide feedback
on how a delayed start would benefit or create a hardship for parents.
Update/ESP Negotiations
Mr. Littleford announced that the Professional Negotiations Agreement between the Charleston
Educational Support Personnel Association, IEA/NEA and Board of Education 2012-2015 will end June
30, 2015. Superintendent Jim Littleford received a formal demand to begin negotiations on a successor
agreement from Mary Isbell, President CESPA. The negotiating team for the Board of Education
includes: Ron Miller, Kelly Miller, Trevor Doughty, Chad Burgett, Todd Vilardo, David Kuetemeyer,
Jim Littleford, and School Attorney Chris Miller. The ESP negotiating team includes: Mary Isbell, Judy
Walters, Marilyn Ferguson, Carol Lawson, Brian Doty, Rhonda Pedigo, Lori Rankin, Curt Schaefer, and
Mark Michaels, UniServ Director, Region 7, IEA/NEA. Commissioner Conrad Bowling of the Federal
Mediation & Conciliation Service will train the negotiating teams on the “Interest Based” bargaining
model and will facilitate implementation of the process. A first meeting is scheduled to develop
negotiations processes at 3:30 – 8:30pm on Monday, March 2, 2015.
Board of Education – Public E-Mail Address & Procedure
Public Act 098-0930 has enacted new law regarding internet posting requirements for the Board of
Education to list a public e-mail address, (50 ILCS 205/20 new). Mr. Littleford asked board members if it
would be appropriate to set up a single e-mail address for all members of the Board of Education or
would they prefer individual e-mail addresses for public access?
It was the consensus of the Board of Education to have a single e-mail address and Genia Lang would
check the account daily. This process would better serve the Board of Education and also ensure the
District complies with the Freedom of Information Act requirements. The e-mail address is located on
the District website and can be assessed at: boardofeducation@charleston.k12.il.us
Illinois Association of School Boards/Illini Division Spring Dinner Meeting
The Illinois Association of School Boards will be hosting the Illini Division Spring Dinner Meeting on
Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Westview Elementary School in Champaign CUSD #4. Board members
were provided with an agenda for the dinner meeting for board members review. Mr. Littleford asked if
board members were interested in attending the dinner meeting to contact Genia Lang.
Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Daniels seconded a motion that the Superintendent’s Report was received by
the Board of Education.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Daniels, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Recommended Action Old Business:
Adopt New & Revised School Board Policies, Administrative Procedures, Exhibits
The following board policies, administrative procedures, and exhibits have been on file for the required
layover period.
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Newly Established School Board Policies, Administrative Procedures/Exhibits
4:110-E
Contractor Services Agreement
7:140-E
Letter to Parents/Guardians Regarding the Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act
7:185
Teen Dating Violence Prohibited
7:185-E
Memo to Parents/Guardians Regarding Teen Dating Violence
Revised School Board Policies/Administrative Procedures/Exhibits
2:30
School District Elections
2:100
Board Member Conflict of Interest
2:110
Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers
4:30
Revenue and Investments
5:10
Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment
5:30
Hiring Process and Criteria
5:30-AP2
Investigations
5:35
Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act
5:35-AP1
Fair Labor Standards Act Exemptions
5:35-AP2
Employee Records Required by the Fair Labor Standards Act
5:35-AP3
Compensable Work Time for Non-Exempt Employees Under the FLSA
5:35-AP4
Fair Labor Standards Act 12-Step Compliance Checklist
5:35-E
Volunteer Agreement Executed by a Non-Exempt Employee
5:190
Teacher Qualifications
5:190-E3
Letter to Teacher Who is Not Highly Qualified
5:200
Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal
5:240
Suspension
6:20
School Year Calendar and Day
6:60
Curriculum Content
6:60-E
Notice to Parents/Guardians of Students Enrolled in Family Life and Sex Education Classes
6:65
Student Social and Emotional Development
6:160
English Language Learners
6:250
Community Resource Persons and Volunteers
6:250-E
Resource Person and Volunteer Information form and Waiver of Liability
6:310
Credit for Alternative Courses and Programs, and Course Substitutions
7:70
Attendance and Truancy
7:140
Search and Seizure
7:190-AP1
Student Handbook – Hazing Prohibited
7:280-AP
Managing Students with Communicable or Infectious Diseases
8:30
Visitors to and conduct on School Property
8:80-AP1
Gifts to the District
8:95
Parental Involvement
Since first reading of revised Board Policy 7:180, Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, the
PRESS has rewritten the policy to comply with new legislation. P.A. 98-669 (eff. 6-26-14) significantly
amended the bullying prevention statute, 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7. It specifies 12 requirements for boards to
cover in a bullying prevention policy. The rewritten policy contains these requirements.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt the Board Policies,
Administrative Procedures, and Exhibits as listed. Further, to approve Board Policy 7:180, Preventing
Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment as rewritten.
Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, Daniels, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
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Adoption/2015-16 District Calendar
The Calendar Committee met on the following dates to discuss various criteria to be included in four
2015-2016 school calendar options: December 3, 2014 and January 28, 2015. Four (4) proposed
calendars were sent to staff for an initial vote representing different beginning and ending dates, semester
breaks, Thanksgiving break, teacher institutes, and placement of emergency days. The two receiving the
most votes were then sent to staff for final vote. The ballots for the final vote were due from all CUSD #1
staff members on February 12, 2015.
The two calendars for consideration were:
Calendar E - had a beginning date of August 17 (Teacher’s Institute) and August 18 (first full day of
student attendance.
Calendar J - had a beginning date of August 21 (Teacher’s Institute) and August 24 (first full day of
student attendance).
Calendar E – received 210 votes and Calendar J - received 21. Descriptions of the calendars and results
of the vote are provided on the following page.
Based on the results of the staff voting, the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education
adopt Calendar E as the official school calendar for the 2015-2016 school year. Mr. Jarrell moved and
Mrs. Daniels seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Daniels, Coe, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: Clarke
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Authorization for Transfer of Local Attorney Services
For 40-plus years, Brainard Law Offices has served the school district to provide valuable legal services.
to the school district. Superintendent Jim Littleford received notice that due to a death in the firm,
Brainard Law Offices, LLC is downsizing as of February 27, 2015, and will be moving to a new location
under the ownership of Brian D. Pondenis. William J. Warmoth has served the District for over 30-years
and is very knowledgeable of Community Unit School District No. 1. His areas of practice include real
estate, probate, and estate planning.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education grant authorization for the
District to continue to use the legal services of William J. Warmoth to seek legal advice when determined
appropriate by the Board of Education and/or the superintendent.
Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, K. Miller, Coe, Daniels, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Textbook Adoption – CHS
Trevor Doughty, along with the District Curriculum Council recommend the adoption of new textbooks
for Driver Education and Art at Charleston High School for the 2015-16 school year. The new textbooks
to be adopted are:
Driver Education
How to Drive
Art (Pottery)
Experience Clay
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It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the textbook
adoption for the Driver’s Education and Art Programs at Charleston High School for the 2015-16 school
year. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Coe, Daniels, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Approval Health Life Safety Amendment/Charleston Middle School
Director of Buildings and Grounds Bill Richardson reports that a Charleston Middle School storm line
which collects roof drainage running under the drive on the West side of the building has collapsed or
come apart in three locations and is washing out the base under the drive and in the yard. Stan Gebben of
the Upchurch Group, Inc. has prepared a Health Life Safety Amendment with a priority code of ‘urgent’
to excavate the storm sewer and replace or repair damaged/bad sections. Further, to repair the drive and
yard back to grade. Ne-Co Asphalt Co., Inc., has provided an estimated cost of $14,800.00 and
description of the planned work. Mr. Gebben allowed an estimated cost of $15,000 in the Health Life
Safety Amendment.
In addition, Kyle Perry, CUSD #1 Technology Department has reported that the Computer Servicer A103 located in Charleston Middle School has an uninterruptable power supply for the server connected to
cameras and security that has failed. Mr. Gebben has included a request to replace the uninterruptable
power supply for the school security at Charleston Middle School with an estimated cost of $1,200.00 in
the Health Life Safety Amendment.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the Health/Life
Safety Amendment for Charleston Middle School as prepared by The Upchurch Group, Inc., to include:
to excavate the storm sewer and replace or repair damaged/bad sections, and to repair the drive and yard
back to grade with an estimated cost of $15,000. Second, to replace the uninterruptable power supply for
the school security with an estimated cost of $1,200. The total cost of the Health Life Safety Amendment
is $16,200, not inclusive of the 10% contingency. Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, Daniels, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
2014-15 Administrative Evaluations/2015-16 Administrative Assignments
The evaluations of the district administrative staff will be available for Board members review at Central
Office. The evaluations of the administrative staff, as well as evaluations of all other staff are of a
confidential nature and are not available to the public under “Freedom of Information.”
The administrative contracts that will end June 30, 2015: Brad Oakley, Patti Murphy, Mary Ann
Pattenaude, Cathy Chaplin, and David Kuetemeyer. Multi-year administrative contracts:
Terry Diss (7/1/11 – 6/30/15) and Rob Ulm (7/1/12 – 6/30/15).
Multi-year administrative contracts in effect: Jim Littleford (7/1/13 – 6/30/17), Todd Vilardo
(7/1/13 – 6/30/18), Trevor Doughty (7/1/14 – 6/30/17), Chad Burgett (7/1/14 – 6/30/17),
and Kristen Holly (7/1/14 – 6/30/17).
At the December 17, 2014 regular board meeting, Brandon Miller was appointed Principal for Mark
Twain Elementary School. His contract term is for the 2015-16 school year.
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Rob Ulm’s contract term ends 2014-15. The superintendent recommends renewal of a 3-year contract
(7/1/15 – 6/30/18).
Bill Richardson, Director of Buildings and Grounds is also listed on the assignment sheet.
Due to ESP Negotiation, proposed salaries for the 2015-2016 school year will be provided following
ratification of a new contract.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the administrative
assignments for the 2015-2016 school year to include renewal of a 3-year contract to Rob Ulm (7/1/15 –
6/30/18). Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, Daniels, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 7:35pm, President Miller recommended that the Board of Education adjourn into closed session to
consider information regarding appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or
dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing
testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to
determine its validity. 5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(1)
Collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or
deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS120/2/(c)(2)
Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Coe, Daniels, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 7:58pm, Mr. Coe made a motion to reconvene from closed session. Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Jarrell, Clarke, Daniels, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 7:59pm, Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Daniels seconded the motion to adjourn from the Regular Board
Meeting.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Daniels, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Ronald L. Miller
President, Board of Education
Brenda L. Coffey
Secretary, Board of Education
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